Politics 15 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Museveni's 1995 pledge to retire at 55, Lukyamuzi's presidential ambition resurface
Newly unearthed reports from 1995 reveal President Museveni's earlier stated intention to retire from active politics at the age of 55. Concurrently, politician John Ken Lukyamuzi declared his own aspiration to become president within a decade. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/people-power/past-and-present-museveni-to-quit-politics-at-55-lukyamuzi-eyes-presidency-5558080
Thirty-one years ago, in July 1995, President Yoweri Museveni indicated his plan to step down from public life and focus on cattle farming upon reaching the age of 55. At the time, he was 50 years old and made these remarks during a tour of Kisoro District.
During a meeting with district officials and elders in Bufumbira East constituency, Mr. Museveni stated his readiness to serve Uganda and Africa in public life only until he turned 55. This statement suggested he would not be contesting elections after the 1996 presidential race, the first following the 1995 Constitution.
The President also used the occasion to explain a mini-Cabinet reshuffle from July 1995. Dr. Eric Adriko was appointed Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Service, following Dr. Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere’s resignation from the NRM government due to “ideological differences.” Mr. Museveni highlighted religious and regional considerations in his appointments, noting that Moses Ali was appointed partly because he is Muslim.
When questioned about his potential candidacy in the upcoming 1996 elections, Mr. Museveni stated he would announce his decision after the Constituent Assembly (CA) completed its work. The CA concluded its mandate on August 25, 1995.
Mr. Museveni also emphasized his family’s traditional role as cattle keepers, distancing them from political leadership. He humorously recalled the 1980 elections, stating he would not resort to offering “booze” to win votes.
Meanwhile, in a separate development reported by The Monitor, the then-secretary general of the Conservative Party, John Ken Lukyamuzi, declared his ambition to become president of Uganda within ten years. He expressed his commitment to a step-by-step approach, aiming to first become a Member of Parliament.
This reporting from the past provides a fascinating contrast between presidential retirement plans and emerging political ambitions. According to The Monitor of July 21, 1995.